A rumor rated as 'speculation' is one that has no supporting information

A rumor rated as 'strong' is one where we received information from more than one source.

A rumor rated as 'fact' is one that has proven to be true

A rumor rated as 'false' is one that has proven to be false based on new information

These rumors are just that, RUMORS, and are not to be taken as 'fact'
unless so noted. Please visit our Hot News page for news. If you have a rumor, or can supply
more information about one listed here,
e-mail us with as
much supporting information as possible and we may post it. User Agreement and Disclaimer.
Newer rumors supersede older ones of the same topic. Go to our
forums to
discuss any rumor.

Lotus to seek permission for private test - source(GMM) Embattled Lotus will ask its formula one rivals for permission to conduct a three-day private test after it has resolved a chassis flaw.

The former Renault team pulled out of this week's Barcelona test after the unspecified problem was identified early during the opening day's running on Tuesday.

With pre-season preparations limited to just three tests in 2012, next week's Barcelona running will be the last before the championship begins in Australia.

F1 race commentator Oskari Saari, working for the Finnish broadcaster MTV3, said Lotus has confirmed to him that it will seek permission to make up for this week's lost running in the form of a three-day private test.

"As they are based in Britain, then you would think that it would be at Silverstone," he said.

Recently at Jerez, Mercedes departed the opening pre-season test a day early and then made up for it with a private day of running at Barcelona on Sunday.

But Saari admitted it is possible the other teams will not be keen to allow Lotus to modify its program, given the pace of the new E20 car at Jerez.

"However, I would imagine it is quite likely that the request will go through," he said.

"Every now and then, every team sometimes needs a helping hand from the others."

Copyright 1999-2014 | AutoRacing1 is an
independent internet online publication and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed
by IndyCar, NASCAR, FIA, Sprint, or any other series sponsor.
This material may not be published, broadcast, or redistributed without
permission.